The title pretty much explains it here are ten Rolling Stones tunes, mostly of the late 60s, early 70s Hot Rocks-era ("Brown Sugar, "Jumpin Jack Flash, etc.) done up in a bhangra style. And yes, its is absolutely a novelty release, but one that stands up on its own merits too. Lyrics are dispensed with in favour of a groove-oriented approach that highlights the tabla and sitar. "Paint It Black takes to the reworking particularly well, as does "Start Me Up, done up as a slow-burn that reveals its underlying melodic power. This effort is particularly evocative given the fetishisation that South Asian sounds received from groups like the Beatles in the last 60s it sounds oddly familiar and utterly distant simultaneously. As a full-length listen, it gets old fairly quickly, but it will be mix-tape gold for years to come.
(Underground)Opium Jukebox
Sticky Bhangra: A Tribute to the Rolling Stones
BY James KeastPublished Jan 1, 2006